New Dodge Dart hits bull's eye

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Dodge’s Caliber replacement may have looked to the past for its name, but the all-new Dart, it is reported, hits the bull's eye for Chrysler cars for the future. Image gallery

The new-generation Dodge Dart will go on sale in the US in June, the Detroit News reports, as the first Chrysler product based on a design from partner Fiat to be build in the country.

While the original Dart was imported to South Africa in the early 1960's, the new one shares its platform with the Alfa Romeo Giulietta although the new sedan is wider and longer than the Italian hatchback.

SPEAKS TO YOUNGER DRIVERS

Chrysler hopes the new Dart will appeal to a younger generation of drivers and will be Chrysler’s first compact sedan since the Neon was discontinued almost a decade ago.

The 2013 Dart engine line-up will use four-cylinder petrol engines one of them a 1.4 MultiAir turbo - and a new two-litre. A performance-orientated, 137kW, 2.4 will follow.

The engines will drive through a six-speed manual transmission, six-speed auto or dual dry-clutch transmission for the turbo.

A more fuel-efficient Aero will apparently also be included in the range, the DetNews reported. It will be lighter, ride lower and its alloy rims will have low rolling-resistance tyres.

The Dart will also be built and sold in China where it will feature a different grille and be branded as the Fiat Viaggio. Fiat SA recently told Wheels24 the Viaggio will not be sold in South Africa.

Chrysler SA has yet to respond to Wheels24's queries about the Dart's local availability.

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